DEA protects P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan, Ramesh Abhishek in a criminal complaint filed with CBI by 63 moons

DEA has not sanctioned investigation despite both Lokpal & CVC sanctioning an investigation

Even after two years, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has not granted permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate a criminal complaint filed by 63 moons technologies against former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance K P Krishnan and former Chairman, Forward Markets Commission (FMC) Ramesh Abhishek under Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988.

In its complaint to the CBI in 2019, 63 moons asserted that P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek misused their official positions through deliberate and malicious actions and caused damage to the company when the NSEL (National Spot Exchange Limited) payment default crises emerged.

It is perplexing as to why the DEA is not yet giving permission to prosecute P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek even after so long.

Regarding the investigation of the complaint and filing of the FIR, CBI revealed that they were seeking approval of the DEA under section 17A of PCA. “In order to obtain the valuable inputs, the aforesaid complaint is being forwarded for expert examination by the Ministry of Finance. If the examination and scrutiny of allegations prima facie substantiate the allegations levied by the complainant it is requested that the matter may be reverted back to CBI along with due approval of the competent authority u/s 17A of PC Act, 1988 for taking up a formal enquiry/ investigation in the matter,” CBI said in a letter to the DEA dated February 25, 2020.

The DEA has not sanctioned the investigation despite the fact that both the Lokpal of India and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had ordered an investigation against P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek after 63 moons approached them. The CVC confirmed that the corruption charges were “serious, specific, and verifiable”[1]. In July 2019, it ordered the DEA to complete the inquiry within 12 weeks and submit their investigative report along with their recommendations. There was no response from the DEA even after the mandatory period of 120 days of taking action on the complaint. Two years have passed but still, the DEA has not yet sanctioned a probe or filing of an FIR even after being directed to do so by the Lokpal and the CVC[2].

The lackadaisical attitude clearly hints that the DEA is shielding the three accused P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek despite having enough credible evidence against them. It seems to be under the dictatorial influence of P Chidambaram and some powerful person in the DEA is helping him.

It is perplexing as to why the DEA is not yet giving permission to prosecute P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek even after so long. This creates suspicion that the DEA may be yielding to pressure, from biggies at top levels of the government, and avoid getting to the bottom of the matter. There cannot be a reason for such an inordinate delay in granting permission to file an FIR which limits the chances of getting satisfactory and timely justice. Even the corrupt UPA government gave sanction within 24 hours when the 2G-Scam verdict was delivered[3]!

The DEA should disclose its affiliations if it is not hiding any nasty secrets. It seems the DEA is wearing blinkers and is still under the tremendous influence of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The long arm of P Chidambaram, K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek is still yielding a lot of power.

P Chidambaram and his trusted lieutenants K P Krishnan and Ramesh Abhishek created the NSEL payment crisis, aggravated it and did not solve it even though it was solvable. They ensured that a problem that could have been solved even within eight days has not been solved for the past eight years.

References:

[1] CVC says corruption charges against Ramesh Abhishek are serious and verifiable – Jul 13, 2020, PGurus.com

[2] Sanction for prosecution – PGurus.com

[3] The 95 percent syndrome of the Modi government – Nov 13, 2018, PGurus.com